It’s frequently discussed that some of our favorite cars of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s would make impractical daily drivers, with some combination of a quivery structure, a lack of power or sloppy handling. But this uniquely battered Mercedes 450SL spotted on a Texas freeway by pbell56000 makes a great point. Being older than a 1981, there are nevertheless more than a handful still around today, and with solid construction, ample torque, a great combination of softness and control, and the option of topless motoring, the Mercedes R107 actually makes a practical choice for daily use.
Of course, like all Mercedes, practicality was the first goal in designing this roadster and while its sedan counterparts were often saddled with diesel engines or a heavier body when equipped with an engine this large, the 450SL was in a very lofty position when it was sold between 1972 and 1980. Today, it’s at least a thirty-four year old car and in this sort of condition, can only be so expensive. Perhaps it’d even be a bit of a nightmare to own and expensive to feed, but Benzes of this era are surprisingly easy to work on and with a body like this car’s, it’s hard to think of a cheaper consistently rewarding beater. Do you think the driver of this convertible would agree?
Am I the only one who finds these homely? if I’m going to commit to an aging heiress, at least she could look like this:
No, I find them homely, too. Unfortunately, ditto for the Jag, the official car of the middle aged suburban hairdresser.
Never was a fan either, though they’ve grown on me a bit now that I don’t see them that often but that’s probably just childhood nostalgia talking. I find them quite ugly, and not just the US spec ones either, the proportions are very unattractive. And I remember their original owners were very VERY pompous. That stink still hasn’t left these cars for me.
The XJS vert, unfortunately, I can’t say I find much better. The convertible was just too obvious of an afterthought and looks rather dull without that wild buttressed roofline to keep it interesting. The Merc at least was intended to be topless from the get go.
Alas, Mercedes cars kill you on repair costs. While the catalog still stocks parts for
just about any car they ever made, it;s also true that Mercedes is just about the
only place to get all the unique parts made just for them — and they like to charge
Mercedes-type prices for everything and anything. Otherwise, I’d still be driving my beloved 240-D sedan!
You can get incredible deals on Mercedes parts from specialty German parts houses like Pelican Parts, etc.
If it were up to me, I’d probably end up with 4 or 5 interesting cars in similar condition to this, and be assured that at least one of them would probably be running on any given day! Of course, the fact that I don’t have space for that, and more importantly that the lady of the house would never go for it, restrict me from living that particular dream. Probably better for my sanity anyway!
73ImpCapn, I agree that an XJS-C would probably be a superior choice, though perhaps less reliable… I didn’t care for the R107 when they were actually on sale, but I’ve warmed to them over the years. Still think they look better with the Euro lamps than the US quad round design.
Love it. Have these bottomed in the states? Over here prices don’t seem to be going down anymore. For good ones at least. This one looks like a faded Levi’s edition.
No, but their R129 successors’ values are in the process of bottoming. I see four or five of them being used as beaters in my immediate vicinity.
I have seen several with 200,000+ miles that are still in quite good condition and used as almost daily drivers, so clearly it can be done, if one can afford the high fuel consumption and the high cost of repairs when they are necessary.
The opportunity to buy a “beater” 450SL came up about 5 years ago, so I have been through the thought process of considering what it would be like. The one that I found was a 1973, with the small original bumpers and a minimum of emission controls, which made it far simpler and less troublesome. It had around 210,000 miles and ran well, with slight surface rust in a couple of places that could be easily addressed, came with over a decade of service history from my mechanic whom I trust, and was reasonably priced at well below $10,000. My mechanic explained that the iron block engine and body would last as long as I wanted them to, but that I would have to budget several thousand a year (can’t remember the exact figure) for repairs that experience indicated would usually be necessary. I didn’t like the car enough to invest that kind of effort and funds into it — it’s very small inside, somewhat uncomfortable with its very low seating position, not very stylish, and competent but dull to drive. To me, a 560SL or W123 diesel would be worth the effort (each for different reasons), but a 450SL was not.
That Mercedes Benz does not look too bad at all it is just suffering from a few decades of Dixie Climate. The Texas Space Shuttle plate is nice to see, pity the state went with flat plates, but at least the current issue is not terribly ugly. I wonder how close this Mercedes Benz is to dying and becoming junkyard fodder? What kind of trailer do you think this car used to tow?
The most expen$ive car you’ll ever own is a cheap Mercedes .
I miss my 1975 350SLC European with it’s manual tranny .
-Nate
I never liked these, much preferring the W113s that they replaced. “Road & Track” tested a 350 or 450 in 1971 and called it a sports car “for aging Panzer leaders gone to fat”.
I know of several buyers of these suffering remorse when the transmissions failed very expensively MB charges like a wounded bull for the parts.
They might be expensive to repair, but you end up with a Mercedes after the bills are paid.
And an empty wallet. Pass.
JR Ewing on the down and out?
My first thought too – I think both Sue Ellen and Pamela drove 450s – wondered if the plate read “Ewing 5″………
Attesting to their overall solidity, there are quite a lot of these cars and their immediate successor – some in remarkable condition – in SoCal and they still have a certain cachet as you sometimes see glamourous young folks driving them, top down, in Beverly Hills and the West Side, right next to those who appear to be original owners. Although I’ve never been a fan, seeing these well preserved old cars always makes me happy.
However, seeing this W113 in my neighborhood really put a smile on my face.
My late neighbor had one of these sitting in his driveway for years. He liked the concept of owning it and kept it parked in front of the house where he could see it. I kept the tires aired up and the ATF topped off (it leaked a quart every few months while sitting). He drove it maybe once a month, if that.
Before he passed, he donated it to a charitable organization, and I wasn’t sad to see it go.
FWIW ;
Lack of routine maintenance is what makes old Mercedes money pits ~ the parts are usually quite affordable if you use your wits and the Internet .
Example : tranny rebuild needs under $400 worth or parts but knowing how to do it is co$tly .
I currently run three W123 Mercedes Diesels and they’re amazingly cheap to run , as I keep right on top of anything they need they’re reliable and cheap to run , the two turbo models I own are decently speedy , most never bother to tune up a Diesel then complain it’s hard to start , smokes too much or needs ! MORE BOOST ! when my 391,000 mile Diesel Coupe easily chirps the tires whenever I stand on the accelerator .
-Nate
This is the very model that the British motoring press re-christened the ‘clunk-o-matic’ back in the 70’s when it was first reviewed.
Something to do with the gearbox I believe.
In typical CC fashion, I just watched “American Gigolo” on TV last night. Was funny watching Richard Gere tear apart the door panels and trunk after he found the dead woman’s jewels in the car. Then in the next scene he drives out of the rental lot in a Pinto. Been years since I saw that movie.
I had an 86 560SL that I bought for $1000, 212,000 miles, rusty, nasty old thing, but it was fairly quick and nothing broke the summer that I thrashed it, and it was a great 20 footer. Traded it for a bass boat…